POPHAM BEACH, Maine — If your home or business was damaged during the relentless storms that battered our communities back in January, there's still a chance to seek help. But the clock is ticking.
Mainers have until May 20 to apply for financial assistance with FEMA for storm damage that occurred from Jan. 9 through 13.
Christopher Bartlett, the owner of Spinney's Oceanfront Restaurant and Lodge located on Popham Beach, shared his story of devastation and the challenges he faced in rebuilding his business.
"Less than two years into owning this, the damage of this level is a pretty big pill to swallow," Bartlett said.
He said the damage to his property exceeded $50,000, and none of it was covered by insurance.
Bartlett said he learned the hard truth that FEMA grants for homeowners won't assist him in restoring his business.
His only recourse is seeking a disaster relief loan from the Small Business Administration, or SBA.
"I've applied for a disaster loan to try and at least spread out the cost. I've paid the contractors, which hurts for a season that only runs from May through October, so I am trying to get a disaster loan to spread that out over the next couple of years," Bartlett said.
For homeowners facing similar challenges, they can apply for tax-free money to help rebuild what they've lost.
"So far in this disaster, stemming from those back-to-back storms that hit the coast so hard from Jan. 9 to 13, we have approved more than $2.8 million. That's going into the pockets of survivors, helping them jumpstart their recovery," Deanna Frazier, a media relations specialist at FEMA, said.
However, for coastal business owners like Bartlett striving to rebuild, applying for a low-interest loan from the SBA might be the best option.
FEMA emphasized the process, from application to funds deposited in your checking account, can take as little as 21 days.
Once again, the deadline to apply for homeowner assistance or a disaster relief loan for your business is May 20.